Leicester City vs Everton

Match Preview

Morgan Schneiderlin looks likely to join Fabian Delph on the sidelines after he picked up a knock

Everton begin their most testing run of the season this weekend when they take an injury-ravaged side to Leicester with Marco Silva in a precarious position despite a show of unity from Marcel Brands.

The Dutchman appeared on evertontv earlier today to explain that the club will try to move forward together and find some form under Silva who was booed off the field with his players last Saturday after the defeat to Norwich and has faced widespread calls for his sacking in the days since.

Nevertheless, the feeling is that the manager will remain under pressure unless he can effect a remarkable turnaround in results but his prospects of pulling off surprises in successive away games against the current top two in the Premier League have been dealt a severe blow by more injuries.

The Blues will be down to the bare bones in midfield after Morgan Schneiderlin sustained an injury that looks likely to rule him out of the match. Silva was already set to be without Fabian Delph and long-term absentees Jean-Philippe Gbamin and André Gomes for the game against the Foxes but Schneiderlin sustained a knock, either during or since last Saturday's defeat to Norwich, and

Under-23s defensive midfielder, Beni Baningime, who has prior first-team experience, is also unlikely to be available after he hobbled out of the second string's defeat to Fleetwood on Tuesday.

That would leave Silva with just Tom Davies among players who could be regarded as defensive midfielders and the expectation is that he would have to pull Gylfi Sigurdsson or Alex Iwobi back into a deeper role to cover while possibly also promoting Denis Adeniran from the U23s to the senior match day squad.

Additionally, Theo Walcott and Seamus Coleman are out with unspecified problems but it looks as though Bernard will back in the squad after a month on the sidelines with a torn knee ligament.

"Unfortunately some not good news,” Silva said in his pre-match press conference. “Let's see tomorrow after one more session but the news is not so good. Morgan is a big doubt for the match. Theo the same.

“For Fabian Delph, it will be really difficult for him to be fit for the next match. Bernard is ready. He's been doing full sessions. Of course, he needs a bit of time because he was out for a month but he's been working and doesn't feel as much pain in his knee.

“One more piece of bad news: Unfortunately for us, Coleman will be out as well.”

While he may not want to risk having all of his available first-team defenders on the pitch bar Leighton Baines on the pitch at the same time with a gruelling festive campaign to come, Silva could also opt for a 3-5-2 line-up that would provide some more protection at the back in the absence of his preferred two holding midfielders. That would see Michael Keane return to the starting XI to play alongside Mason Holgate and Yerry Mina, with Djibril Sidibe and Lucas Digne charged with providing the width.

Less likely, given his steadfast reluctance thus far to even entertain starting with two strikers, is the option of going 4-4-2, with Sigurdsson alongside Davies, Iwobi at the tip of the diamond and either Richarlison, Moise Kean or Cenk Tosun playing off Dominic Calvert-Lewin up front.

Whatever happens, even though they won at the King Power Stadium last year, you feel as though Everton are on a hiding to nothing in view of Leicester's form so far this season and the sheer number of injuries afflicting Silva's squad. It means that this game and Wednesday's Anfield derby effectively represent “free hits” for the manager and the hierarchy would likely take his misfortune on the injury front into account when assessing his immediate future should the Blues lose both.

Complete capitulation, however, is more likely to edge him closer to the exit.

Both Sidibe and Digne are wasted as full-backs, so play them as wingers instead... simples.

Dave Williams 2Posted
29/11/2019 at
17:14:36

This could just end up as good news. I doubt he would have dropped his favourites but now he will be forced into changes. As others have wondered could Baines play in midfield? Try Adeniran perhaps? I would go 4-4-2 with Tom and Alex in CM flanked by Richi and Bernard with DCL and Moise up front. We will get room to move against Leicester and that team will work hard.

Gary Borrows 3Posted
29/11/2019 at
17:28:34

Well miracles do happen, hopefully both Sneids and Walcott will NOT be fit COYBS

Tony Hill 4Posted
29/11/2019 at
17:28:45

I'd put Holgate in front of the back 4. We have to try something to give us solidity or I think we'll get absolutely slaughtered in the next two games.

Bill Gall 5Posted
29/11/2019 at
17:30:29

This could mean that no longer will he be allowed to stick to his favorites and make some changes, he may be forced to bring in Keane back into defense, move Holgate into a defensive midfielder with Iwobi and Davies and 3 forwards with Bernard Kean and Richarlison.

David Greenwood 6Posted
29/11/2019 at
17:35:59

Formations other than 4231 are available Marco.

Its certainly good news that schneiderlin wont play, he is the very definition of a man short.

This might force Marco into something different on Sunday, although I doubt it.

Jim Bennings 7Posted
29/11/2019 at
17:39:23

Whats wrong with a midfield of attack minded players?

Give Sigurdsson the start and tell him to start getting his arse in gear or hes gone.

Play Davies next to him, and then put Iwobi in front of them, end of debate?

No disrespect but neither Schneiderlin or Delph have got the legs to cope with the energetic whipper-snapper style that both Leicester and Liverpool play anyway, so its hardly a big loss is it.

Schneiderlin runs around in a 10 yard circle and Delph is everything we probably feared and expected, injury prone and his legs have gone (thats why City got shut).

Derek Knox 8Posted
29/11/2019 at
17:40:16

Schneiderlin being out injured is one bit of good news, I have almost forgotten about what it's like to play with 11 players, as opposed to 10 and Schneiderlin.

Could be a blessing in disguise as he will be forced to re-jig the players and formulate a different strategy, assuming of course he has one.

They say that ' necessity is the mother of invention ' but should we get a result it will be by way of a forced change rather than by the ingenuity of Silva.

Anthony A Hughes 9Posted
29/11/2019 at
17:40:36

Agreed on Delph. That's why he was a bargain £8 million.

Ari Sigurgeirsson 10Posted
29/11/2019 at
17:42:44

Tony Hill, is your other name "Sam Allardyce" ?

Kevin Prytherch 11Posted
29/11/2019 at
17:59:30

If there was ever a time to experiment with the next Lahm, its now.The formation wont change, and I think it will be suicide dropping Iwobi or Sigurdsson back to the centre of midfield.

Tony Hill 12Posted
29/11/2019 at
18:01:32

Gosh, Ari, everyone knows he's my hero. I have framed and signed photographs of him in most parts of my house.

Do you like him too?

Mike Gaynes 13Posted
29/11/2019 at
18:11:15

David #5, if Silva could coach anything besides 4-2-3-1, we'd have seen it by now.

But Dave #1 is right, even within that formation this could mean good news. I've been advocating for nearly a year now that Sigurdsson should be pulled back to defensive mid. He's better than Schneiderlin in defensive nous, work rate and passing, and he doesn't make stupid fouls just outside the box.

Now it seems like necessity might force Silva to actually do it.

Jer Kiernan 14Posted
29/11/2019 at
18:14:17

None of the players Silva usually picks available is a good thing no ?

Dennis Stevens 15Posted
29/11/2019 at
18:16:32

It does seem odd that Baningime was playing the other night.

Brian Wilkinson 16Posted
29/11/2019 at
18:18:15

Why not play Calvert Lewin in midfield, that is his natural position before being changed to a striker.

John Hammond 17Posted
29/11/2019 at
18:18:39

This is turning into one of those situations where so much is going against us that you think the players will be like, what the hell, we've got nothing to lose, and they'll actually play with complete freedom. Then you have Leicester who may well be thinking they've already won the game despite Rogers no doubt trying to convince them otherwise. Could be an entertaining game. Go 442 and have Digne and Sidibe bomb the crosses in.

Conor McCourt 18Posted
29/11/2019 at
18:23:07

Tony 3-I had similar thoughts but then I realised our centre halves will be up against Vardy and if there is one game you don't want to play Keane and Mina it's this.

Jay Harris 19Posted
29/11/2019 at
18:28:47

Maybe those players are claiming to be injured and don't want to be part of a team that gets tonked and Silva dismissed.

Eric Paul 20Posted
29/11/2019 at
18:30:42

When was Calvert-Lewin a midfielder?

Ed Prytherch 21Posted
29/11/2019 at
18:57:03

I like the suggestion of playing Baines alongside Davies. There is little to loose by trying it.

Mark Guglielmo 22Posted
29/11/2019 at
18:59:23

I swear this was all good news to me. No ability to play Schneiderlin, Walcott, Coleman, Delph will force some change. It has to.

Subs for both (or close to it):LosslDCLGibsonGordonBainesTosunKeane (in the 4-4-2)Sigurdsson (in the 3-5-2)

IMO we have to flood the middle of the park or the best in form midfield in the EPL - Ndidi / Tieleman / Maddison - will run roughshod over us.

Jim Bennings 23Posted
29/11/2019 at
19:04:20

Cant really expect Baines to come in out of not playing a minutes football in god knows how long and then play in the most combative area of the pitch.

Do people not realise this is the Premier League in 2019, a frenetic breakneck speed that takes no passengers and will ruthlessly punish you.

Theres not a cat in hells chance of Baines at the age of 35, playing in a position where in all his career he has never ventured.

Rob Dolby 24Posted
29/11/2019 at
19:06:32

Cant believe people are happy that we don't have a fit ball winner in the centre of midfield.

If it wasnt for bad luck Silva would have no luck at all.

Sunday could be a right mauling. Even with a fully fit team we would struggle against this team.

Jay Wood[BRZ] 25Posted
29/11/2019 at
19:12:50

Agree Rob.

Rejoicing in having even more players in rehab in an already depleted squad is counter intuitive to me if you genuinely want Everton to get a result on Sunday.

But then, there are some Blues who make it a virtue in wishing their team to lose.

Mark Guglielmo 26Posted
29/11/2019 at
19:26:20

Rob @23 we haven't had a fit ball-winner since May 2019 though. No argument from me that this level of bad luck is unprecedented. I'm not happy about that; I'm happy that this latest round of injuries will force his hand to the point where he has to play better players. Maybe even get our best looking U23s into the squad and some minutes.

Jim Bennings 27Posted
29/11/2019 at
19:28:54

Rob 23

We havent actually got a ball winner in our squad anymore.

Schneiderlin is too slow to get near players that have pace and mobility.

Delph is another one that cant run anymore, fine player in his day but in the games I have seen him this season hes looked very leggy and hes not had the “Gareth Barry impact” that I hoped he would.

The loss of Gueye who in the second half of last season was immense at putting fires out in dangerous areas, has been very costly and exactly why I said before we sold him that we were selling him off on the cheap, he was far too important a player for Everton.

Davies is about the most likely to win the ball or put a tackle in, thats why Id sit him deep and put Sigurdsson next to him and then Iwobi in front.

Whoever we play there its not going to have any legs or energy and will struggle to cope with the running of Maddison and co.

Tony Hill 28Posted
29/11/2019 at
19:58:54

Jim @26, you're right about Delph. He started well and looked like we'd got a snip but he's just too fragile and I agree he's probably not going to do it for us. A real disappointment.

Bobby Mallon 29Posted
29/11/2019 at
20:02:12

Best news all week

John Pierce 30Posted
29/11/2019 at
20:16:48

We dont have a defensive midfielder by the usual criteria. So you cannot those players left to do that job. You are asking for trouble. Asking Tom Davies to sit completely neutered the lads ability. Put him in a three with Siggy and Iwobi.

Look at what you have pick a formation which emphasizes the strengths of those players. So its attack attack all the way for me.

4-3-3 or 3-5-2 will work.

Not holding my breath though Marco.

Mark Guglielmo 31Posted
29/11/2019 at
20:30:19

Somehow, Kean still won't get any minutes.

John Cartwright 32Posted
29/11/2019 at
20:38:14

Good riddance, hopefully the last we see off him. I am intrigued by the suggestion of Baines in midfield.

Christy Ring 33Posted
29/11/2019 at
20:39:07

I questioned it Tuesday night, why was Beni playing against Fleetwood, and then he went off injured, and now with Schneiderlin doubtful, and playing crap, Beni should have been earmarked for tomorrow. He was on the bench last Saturday, so why let him play, is that not more incompetence by Silva? He might have no recognised defensive midfielder tomorrow, an absolute shambles.

Christy Ring 34Posted
29/11/2019 at
20:41:36

I should have said Sunday.

John Kavanagh 35Posted
29/11/2019 at
20:43:21

Every cloud has a Silva whining.

The next two matches should see us slaughtered on current form, even if we had something approaching a full squad. At least Silva now has an excuse. What's the Board's for not taking action after the Burnley fiasco?

Mark Guglielmo 36Posted
29/11/2019 at
20:44:26

John @31, you want to put Baines (age: 34) out there to deal with (primarily) Maddison (age: 23), Tielemans (age: 22), and Ndidi (age: 22)?

I don't think so, mate.

John @34, you're right, there's a lot of whining about Silva.

Colin Glassar 37Posted
29/11/2019 at
20:46:00

Im expecting a 0-15 aggregate score line over the next two games. And thats me being optimistic.

David Pearl 38Posted
29/11/2019 at
20:49:12

Hmm well now all we need is Silva to catch some flu bug (just a bedridden thing that lasts around 80 hours). Im not wanting anything too sinister.

Ian Bennett 39Posted
29/11/2019 at
20:51:59

I fully expect him to play 5 at the back. Not my choice as I don't rate Keane at all.

PickfordDigneMinaKeaneHolgateSidibe

DaviesSigurdsson

RicharlisonCalvert LewinIwobi

John Kavanagh 40Posted
29/11/2019 at
20:54:10

Colin @36. A result next Wednesday would make turning water into wine, walking on water and raising the dead look like cheap tricks. In almost 60 years I've never looked forward to a derby with more trepidation - so we'll probably win. It's Everton that!

Tony Twist 41Posted
29/11/2019 at
21:01:28

It's a great opportunity to play the 3 centre backs either with holgate replacing Schneiderlin or as mentioned in previous posts a 3-5-2 with a team of Pickford, Keane, Holgate, Mina,Sidibe, Iwobi, Davies, Bernard, Digne,Kean, Richarlison.

More than enough quality there to get a result, a strong centre, energy in midfield and pace in attack.It's easy this football manager lark!

Colin Glassar 42Posted
29/11/2019 at
21:21:36

Same here John. This could be worse than the gerr@rd massacre a few years back.

Derek Thomas 43Posted
29/11/2019 at
21:53:45

Schneiderlin injured, that's a plus not a minus.

Coleman out, now that is a bit of a worry, at least he trys.

Though tbh, its got to the stage that if this Club told me it was Wednesday I'd check to see if it wasn't Tuesday or Thursday.

And there's not ONE player in the U23s or even U18, with a decent engine who couldn't come in...in an emergency...and do the very basic basics.?

I not asking him to come in put his foot on the ball and boss it like Charlton Vs Beckenbauer. Just run and run, block and tackle or stick to his man...and if in doubt, sling it up field or if all else fails row Z. I wouldn't care if he never set foot in their final third of the field...and there's not one?

Also, if players like Bernard or even Delph are borderline for Leicester. Silva please please please don't risk them - save them for the Derby.

Look upon Leicester as a Derby rehearsal. If it takes two lines of 5 to get the job done then do it.

Then double down on it midweek. If we have to be cast as the Rourkes Drift dedenders then fuckin do it, make them pay.

Folks, Marco Silva has two alignments. 4-2-3-1 for most of the game and 3-3-4 in the final minutes when we're behind.

That's it.

Gary Willock 46Posted
29/11/2019 at
22:13:52

Unfortunately Mike, youre probably spot on. Hell stick to the ‘plan and hope for a ‘moment most likely seeing Sigurdsson next to Tom, and us over ran even more than usual as Sigurdsson runs behind the attack in the vain hope theyll do a Morgan and head back for goal. 🤦‍♂️

Brian Wilkinson 47Posted
29/11/2019 at
22:49:56

Eric@19 throughout his football through school boys up to a part at Sheffield Utd, when they decided to play him as a striker, his natural position up to around the age of 20 was in midfield.

Brent Stephens 48Posted
29/11/2019 at
23:24:07

Derek #42 “And there's not ONE player in the U23s or even U18, with a decent engine who couldn't come in...in an emergency...and do the very basic basics.?”

Id ask whether theres ONE who could come in and do a decent job. Gordon, Beningami, Adeniran. The only possibles in my view. And not one guaranteed to do a decent job.

Brian Wilkinson 49Posted
29/11/2019 at
23:35:59

Anyone who thinks Im crazy suggesting Calvert Lewin as an attacking midfielder, this is what Unsworth had to say when he was a coach there.

There are no guarantees with him at that age, there is no guarantee with any player at 16, but having worked with him in his first year scholarship - where he played as an attacking midfielder - I knew he had the temperament, he had the talent and he, most importantly, had the desire to work hard and to listen.

“Hes a great listener, he takes on board information and applies it on the pitch. That for me is what sets the best players out.”

And Unsworth believes that playing as a No10 - but in a different way Everton fans may be used to seeing - is Calvert-Lewins best position.

“For me, and its only my opinion, when teams play with a No10 and a No9 teams tend to use the No10 as an extra midfielder,” Unsworth explained.

Mike Gaynes 50Posted
29/11/2019 at
23:59:00

Brian #46, that's simply not true.

DCL hasn't played attacking midfielder since a couple of appearances there in 2015 at Northampton in League 2. He never once played the position at Sheffield United or Everton, except for one 14-minute sub appearance two years ago.

So if there was a transition, he made it at age 18, not 20. And when Unsworth made that comment he was only 16.

DCL is a forward, has been for quite a long time. So no, he is absolutely not going to suddenly get a Prem start at the #10 spot.

Eric Paul 51Posted
29/11/2019 at
00:04:28

Brian @46Interesting,I wasnt aware of that but its defensive midfielders we are short of as well as goal scorers.

James Stewart 52Posted
30/11/2019 at
01:18:08

A completely meaningless game as far as we are concerned. Nailed on defeat that Moshiri will rack up to an "expected loss".

Colin #36 I agree with you over the next 2 games aggregate scores. 6-0 at Leicester and 7-0 at Liverpool. I can't see Everton getting a goal.

We need to be searching for a manager who has the ability to get back into the Premier League at first time of asking. More than one season in the Championship will be the end of any ambitions we have for a new stadium.

Derek Thomas 55Posted
30/11/2019 at
01:58:56

Brent @47; and my next papagraph says...

I'm not asking him to come in put his foot on the ball and boss it like Charlton Vs Beckenbauer. Just run and run, block and tackle or stick to his man...and if in doubt, sling it up field or if all else fails row Z. I wouldn't care if he never set foot in their final third of the field...and there's not one?

All that's required for the next 2 games (not even looking any further atm) is Uber KITAP1...and I'm not too fussed about the AP1 bit either.

Mark Siddons 56Posted
30/11/2019 at
04:16:27

Mark @21, I like your 3-5-2 choice. I really hope this injury 'crisis' forces Silva to make a long-overdue change to his tactics.

Bill Gienapp 57Posted
30/11/2019 at
04:17:13

I really hope we don't attempt a back three, though I fear we will, given the rash of injuries.

I think the formation suits Holgate well enough, but it's typically been a disaster for Keane and Mina. In fact, I think the main reason people were down on Mina after last season could be traced back to the few times Silva tried to force a back three - he looked so clumsy and out of sorts, that's what ended up sticking in people's minds.

Otherwise, not much to do but put the negativity and gloom aside, circle the wagons and adopt an "Evertonians against the world" mentality. What the hell do we have to lose?

Bob Parrington 58Posted
30/11/2019 at
05:25:47

If we have no recognised midfield and we're playing against a team with perhaps the best midfield in the league then why don't we play to cut out the midfield in Big Sam thank you Mam style? Long ball with 3 runners, a bit like the RS (cough, cough!)

Tony Everan 59Posted
30/11/2019 at
05:44:14

Pickford

Sidibie Holgate Mina Digne

Iwobi Davies Sigurdsson Bernard

Calvert-Lewin / Richarlison

4 -5-1 , 4-4-2, 4-1-1

Call it what you will, It should be flexible. DCL needs to be the conduit between the midfield and Richarlison needs to be feeding off him. There is youthful energy ,strength ,aggression, pace , and class in them two , defenders wont like facing them. Both of them can be a nuisance to defenders and hard to handle.

DCL can win headers all day long, he is indefatigable. He can get get flick ons or lay it off to our midfield to get a quick pass to set Richarlison on his way to go on his own or pull it back to the advancing midfield and DCL.

This formation bolsters the midfield whilst still retaining a goal threat, it's got to be worth a try. Those two forwards are not afraid to score, and all four of those midfielders have a goal threat.

Come on Marco !!!!!!!!, we need to try something different.

I am maybe deluded but I still want him to learn from his mistakes, not be afraid of trying something different and turn it around.

John Keating 60Posted
30/11/2019 at
06:08:28

Last week against a piss poor side he should have been more expansive and played 442 but as usual reverted to type.

This week we are playing a team riding high and full of confidence with pace and power all over the pitch.

If Silva tries anything stupid with the under performing lot we have it could get embarrassing.

I think he has to be defensively minded but have an attacking option 4141Davies has done well for England U21 as a defensive midfielder so play him in front of the back 4Kean and Richie with pace out wide to support DCL

PickfordSidibe Holgate Mina DigneDaviesKean Iwobi Sigi RichieDCL

Mark Andersson 61Posted
30/11/2019 at
06:39:26

Dont care what team or formation Silva picks not intrested in what goes on as the real entertainment these days is reading toffee web...

Tim Locke 62Posted
30/11/2019 at
06:40:43

Last season 2-1, albeit against a poorer Leicester side and an Everton side that was playing slightly better. Leicester going down to 10 men might have also helped.

To ensure a result of some sort I have put a bet on Leicester, this is bound to tip the scales in our favour. If we win Ill open a crowdfunding page to fund the seasons betting. This time next year we will be champions or Ill be a millionaire 🤣

Jerome Shields 63Posted
30/11/2019 at
08:02:44

Depending on players not playing to force a Manager to select a different team to improve performance, is a long shot and wishful thinking.

The realistic improvement that we should expect from Everton is that they will be better prepared through hard work, focus and determination on the training ground during the week.

Brands interview does not show that there is the leadership in the Club to inspire this.

Trevor Peers 64Posted
30/11/2019 at
08:15:48

I don't normally try to pick the team and predicting Silva's line up is like doing the lottery, but in the absence of our regular defensive midfielders through injury, now should be the time to try Sigurdsson in that position. He has all the attributes, clever with the ball, covers acres of space, reasonable in the tackle. He's not getting any younger but reads the game well and would suit the role perfectly.

I'd be amazed if Silva sees it that way, he can't think outside the box and his team selections are usually rigid and unimaginative.Whatever the team is we will be lucky to even get a draw tomorrow, we can only pray we have a bit of luck.

Derek Knox 65Posted
30/11/2019 at
08:26:25

Trevor, agree with your post by the way, but is it not a sad indictment, when we have a Manager 'who can't/won't think outside the box'?

Hoping for an upset but in all honesty and reality can't see that happening.

Trevor Peers 66Posted
30/11/2019 at
08:36:00

It is Derek, especially when we were told that this was one of his strong points, according to his admirers. Silva has been a massive disappointment with game management, tactics and using substitutes at the right time. He seems like a nice guy, but he's not a premiership manager, no way.

Derek Knox 67Posted
30/11/2019 at
08:51:45

Trevor, very true but like I have said many times on other threads, he is not in charge by way of doing us a favour or having been thrust in to the job in an emergency.

He is not only very highly paid, but was head-hunted, you can't make this stuff up, and to us mere mortals it simply beggars belief.

James Marshall 68Posted
30/11/2019 at
09:15:36

I wouldn't go expecting to see anything radical with team selection, tactics or results. You're just setting yourself up for a fall. Silva won't go putting Baines in midfield, nor will he start Moise Kean, or play DCL in midfield.

This thread reads like a game of FIFA20 in manager mode.

He's more likely to just stick to the same formation, and plug the gaps with some square pegs as usual.

You can probably make a case for us doing OK against the upcoming opponents, and Magic Marco somehow keeping his job. Sigh.

We might get something then, as schneiderlin is the massive weakness in the team Marco usually puts out.

And Walcott is the very symbol of a snowflake footballer...

Fingers crossed

Dave Williams 72Posted
30/11/2019 at
10:00:54

Jay#25 I think you have misunderstood. Certainly I said that the injuries could be good news purely because it should force him into playing what I consider to be better players with better attitude than the dead- beats he has persisted with who have no pace, energy or desire. Regardless of who he picks I hope we win tomorrow and if he plays Schneiderlin and the lad scores a hat trick I will be delighted.I have never wanted us to lose and never will- ultimately we are in desperate need of the points and some confidence with “them” next.

Paul Hewitt 73Posted
30/11/2019 at
10:04:16

You could pick a team with the 11 best players in the world. But with Silva incharge, you ain't going to win.

Mick Conalty 74Posted
30/11/2019 at
10:29:39

Schneiderlin injured. He probably doesn't fancy the next couple of games. I reckon we should send him off to Dubai to recover.

Tony McNulty 75Posted
30/11/2019 at
10:44:02

We lack form, organisation and confidence. What many of those players do not lack is talent.

If, during the last week, the management haven't been tackling the first three deficiencies, then they don't deserve to be in post. Similar message to some of the players.

Denis Richardson 76Posted
30/11/2019 at
10:44:05

How the tide has changed. We're actually dreading playing Leicester. That's where we're at now.

I think if they get an early goal we're going to get mullered. Vardy against Mina or Keane is almost just unfair.

Really not looking forward to this. (I may have to bench Digne in my FFL side to avoid the minus points.)

Dave Williams 77Posted
30/11/2019 at
11:05:37

As Tony #75 says, if, with all that's been said about Silva's job prospects, he doesn't pick a mobile team which is highly motivated and ready to go for Leicester's throat, then there is no hope. A bad performance and I'd want him gone with Ferguson charged with getting the players ready for Anfield. Do I think Duncan is the new manager? No, but if anyone on the staff could motivate the players for that game immediately after either a crap performance on Sunday or the manager being sacked, then it's him. With Silva still in charge, if things go badly tomorrow, then I really daren't think about what might happen next week.

I am always a 'glass almost full' type and cling to the hope that injuries will force him to pick an energetic team with pace and desire to win. Calvert-Lewin has to play as he will lead the line with energy and has a point to prove. Tosun must not be anywhere near the team as he has no pace, no physical presence and is not a target man. Silva needs to gamble and challenge Kean to show him why he should have been in the team and I'd give the captaincy to Tom regardless of who else plays.

In a strange way, I am looking forward to seeing this game as it really is shit or bust with what is just around the corner. I am fascinated to see what Silva is made of because we sure as hell will find out tomorrow.

Pat Kelly 78Posted
30/11/2019 at
11:23:12

So we're in for the long goodbye as we move forward together and try to find some form. Sounds promising.

Brian Harrison 79Posted
30/11/2019 at
11:23:44

I just wonder what Marco Silva can say to the team to motivate them, they know like most of us do that its highly unlikely he will be here come Xmas. These players have bye and large under performed all season, so its a big ask to expect that to change against possibly 2 of their tougher away games left this season. They are up against a side high on confidence who have pace right throughout the side, and in Vardy a real handful for any defender. Just the player we could and should have signed when he fell out with Claude Puel.

All we can hope for his 100% commitment from everybody, and as Chris Wilder has shown at Sheffield Utd a well drilled and well coached side can often overcome the lack of big money buys. Now some will argue that we are not well coached and results would tend to back up that argument. But most of the team that Silva will select even with the amount of injuries most will be seasoned internationals. You here ex players always saying win your personal battles, so that should be the basis we start from.

Richard Mason 80Posted
30/11/2019 at
11:29:35

I see Martinez is doing a lot of talking about Everton lately, saying he loves the club and wishes he could have explained the project better. Is he looking for a 2nd spell?

Rob Halligan 81Posted
30/11/2019 at
11:37:31

Brian #79.

If I were Silva, I would probably say something like:

"If you can't play for me and get a result, then go out there and get a result for the 3,000 travelling fans, who have followed you through thick and thin this season. The least they deserve is a good performance and positive result."

Will it work? Hopefully. COYB!!

Jim Wilson 82Posted
30/11/2019 at
11:42:34

Matthew Williams — Exactly what I was thinking. The team would be solid down the flanks but still quite creative. And solid down the middle.

If we do not have a tight and organised set-up, it is a tonking today.

John Keating 83Posted
30/11/2019 at
11:47:06

Brian and Rob spot onSilva is useless but some of the players have been disgraceful

Annika Herbert 84Posted
30/11/2019 at
11:50:37

Not looking good from any angle this game! I would prefer to see the youngsters given a run out now, what do we have to lose?But I have no idea why anyone would want Sigurdsson in the team, he has been every bit as bad as Schneiderlin but slower. He should have been binned months ago. It's not much use being a willing worker when you always arrive too late to the party. Not a bad shout to give Baines a run out as the defensive midfielder though, at least in my opinion

David Pearl 85Posted
30/11/2019 at
12:00:35

I have to agree with Tony,

We have no organisation, no confidence, and therefore no form or as much freedom of expression. Davies tries hard but too erratic at present. He needs an experienced head around him. (Wonder if that means he will be captain again tomorrow).

Add to Tom the energy from Iwobi, Richarlison and Kean then we can should see some exiting times ahead... err with the correct management. Id love to so in on he training sessions. The real training sessions. What patterns and shapes or passing do they practice, lm sick of seeing them give them ball away or watching Digne overhit a cross to the solitary man in the box.

Such is the life of an Evertonian

Jason Wilkinson 86Posted
30/11/2019 at
12:39:12

I don't care what formation we play as long as the following characters don't get a game.

Flapper

BottlerDithererPanickerStroller

ShufflerPlodderHider

LoserRotterRoller

Managed by Bullshitter.

Because that is what we have seen for most of the season. Attach the monikers to whoever you like.

Raymond Fox 87Posted
30/11/2019 at
12:49:22

Silva is never going experimental in this game, it will DCL up front on his own. Forget Baines and Kean, Bernard will be lucky to get on the field also.Whichever way you look at this game its hard to fancy us, the only crumb of comfort I can come up with is they seem to play better against the top sides.Even so its difficult to see us getting points, its back to wall stuff where we need maximum effort.You never know they might surprise us!

Derek Knox 88Posted
30/11/2019 at
13:06:08

Jason, lol 😂😋

Noticed that your team and Manager all ended in 'er', so no scorer, or defender?

Jason Wilkinson 89Posted
30/11/2019 at
13:10:42

Derek,

Wan#erTosserShi#er

Were hard to leave out. Do we have a scorer or defender?

Julian Exshaw 90Posted
30/11/2019 at
13:47:16

Whatever our opinions about Marco Silva the coach, you have to give him credit for the way he handled the media yesterday. He answered everything with good humour and honesty (despite getting one particularly nasty question about Jamie Carragher's comments). Like his Portuguese compatriot, Andre Gomes, he is a class act as a person. I still hope the footballing gods shine on him tomorrow because the man needs a break.

Mark Guglielmo 91Posted
30/11/2019 at
13:59:43

Denis @76 not sure if you meant it this way but every team in the EPL dreads playing Leicester right now. They're in 2nd by maybe 1 point, haven't lost in 9 games, and have the leading scorer in the League.

Perhaps we "extra" dread playing them 🙂

Julian @90 I couldn't agree more. I especially liked the smirk when he said "well you guys have been asking that since the Wolves match in the 4th game." 😂 (About the 'do you get the sense you've been given this game as a 'must win')

Chris Williamson 92Posted
30/11/2019 at
14:03:10

Marco Silva does indeed seem like a nice fella, its just a pity he hasnt got a clue how to manage a football team.

Robert Williams 93Posted
30/11/2019 at
14:32:07

Chris, Nice fellas we can do without - we want some really nasty bastards!!

Dave Ganley 94Posted
30/11/2019 at
14:34:17

Totally agree, John #93. Our expectations are so low we applaud putting an effort in, small club mentality – same as making excuse after excuse for abysmal performances this season – and that's not even mentioning the terrible 3-month run last season. Pathetic.

Chris Cole 95Posted
30/11/2019 at
14:36:43

Player for player, I don't think Leicester City would take any of our starting XI over their own. Maybe Richarlison over young Barnes.

Anyone think differently?

Mark Guglielmo 96Posted
30/11/2019 at
14:49:42

Sorry need to correct my earlier comment. It was City they were only a point apart from. No-one's all that close to Liverpool.

Denis Richardson 97Posted
30/11/2019 at
14:58:30

Mark 91 - was a general ‘look where we are now comment.

Leicester were a yo-yo club not too long ago.

George Carroll 98Posted
30/11/2019 at
15:03:26

The present situation in my opinion highlights the waste of time Unsworth is as a coach. A complete failure to produce players ready to step up into the 1st team. Plays over-age players who are at best Championship quality in the hope he wins PL2 when in effect they should have been moved on to pastures new.

It's another case of Kenwright's obsession with giving ex-players jobs, the worst example being Duncan Ferguson. Managers come and go but the old boys remain...

Mark Guglielmo 99Posted
30/11/2019 at
15:18:14

Denis @97, Roger that. Though it was only 5 years ago they won the title by a wide margin before dropping back into midtable for the past few. We should be them!

George @98, there was a really interesting analysis piece (video on YouTube) the other day by ToffeeTV. The general gist is similar to yours. We're not developing talent, and we're being far too patient in letting the ones who'll never make it to the senior squad stick around.

Joe McMahon 100Posted
30/11/2019 at
15:23:30

Chris, I would have taken Leicester's manager, though.

George @98, you make a good point; however, I've said that before and been boiled alive on here.

Dave Williams 101Posted
30/11/2019 at
15:30:58

George #98 you can't blame Unsworth. Silva has studiously ignored the young players. It's easy to be swamped playing in the Under-21s against seasoned professionals but throw in one or two supported by older players and they may be okay.

We have Gordon, Adeniran and Gibson who need to be given opportunities this season. Add in Kenny (a huge loss being out on loan), Davies and Calvert-Lewin, and Unsworth has not done too badly. Give these lads a proper chance before criticising Unsworth – you might find he has actually done very well!!

Barring a miracle, the race to the bottom starts on Sunday. Very sad, but I cannot see anyway we will not be bottom 3 at Xmas.

Mark Guglielmo 104Posted
30/11/2019 at
15:54:05

Dave @101 can we give Kean a shot first? 🤔

Phil @102 thanks, though another EFC-related site said it was clear I had "zero football management experience" (I don't).

The primary reason was that "Bernard is too diminutive to be anywhere near the midfield" and would be "bossed around the pitch." 🤷🏻‍♂️😂

Alan J Thompson 105Posted
30/11/2019 at
15:55:25

Here's a wild idea, don't play any defensive midfielders and ask them all to get forward when we attack and get back when we don't have possession and try to ensure we don't give Vardy any opportunity to use his speed one on one. That done then all we need do is score more goals than they do. KISS.

Dave Williams 106Posted
30/11/2019 at
16:05:54

Mak, absolutely. I posted earlier that I'd play him tomorrow alongside Calvert-Lewin.

Oh, and Bernard is tougher than people think and too quick for most opposition players – shows those people know nothing!!

Bill Gall 107Posted
30/11/2019 at
16:09:50

With the amount of money Everton have spent on seasoned professionals for the first team, and the reluctance of the manager to play young players, even ones that have cost a large fee, I don't see how the coach of the young players can be blamed for not providing players for the first team.

Plenty of supporters, and they include the fans that go to watch the younger players, have often written that various young players are worth a shot in the first team. So put the blame on the person who will not give them a chance and instead plays veterans who are criticized weekly.

Brian Porter 108Posted
30/11/2019 at
16:13:38

Currently we're 17th one place above the relegation places. Does that mean anything to anyone in authority at our poor, crazy, broken club? Let's face it, Silva admits he doesn't lose any sleep about such things.

Derek Taylor 109Posted
30/11/2019 at
16:16:19

George @ 98 The manager we all love to hate made a similar point to yours yesterday: “Everton are different to most clubs. When I went there, I was expected to retain the old players who were coaches. Everywhere else, you put in guys you've worked with.”

My recollection is that the Big Man brought Craig Shakespeare and another guy to work with him on the first team. Steve Walsh as Director of Football had also worked with him before. But I guess he had a point!

Derek Knox 110Posted
30/11/2019 at
16:22:13

Bill @ 107, spot on there, it's all very well apportioning blame, as we are all a trifle pissed off at present, but let's make sure it is pointed in the right direction!

Mark Burton 111Posted
30/11/2019 at
16:43:30

I am optimistic. Looking to sneak a win tomorrow just to really mess with our poor Everton heads. Last weeks booing and bad performance could just be the catylist for a magic turn around. He, he, he!!!!!!!!!

Bill Gall 112Posted
30/11/2019 at
16:55:12

Talking about Everton using ex-players as coaches, Everton are not the only team to use either ex-players as coaches but some are using ex-players as managers. This is not unusual, but it is the manager who is responsible for the training methods, team selection, tactics and game management.

Coaches work on the training ground to ensure the players work on the tactics the manager has laid out for the upcoming game, help the players improve in the positions they played at, ensure the players maintain their levels of fitness, and most probably a lot more than we are aware of.

There have been a number of players that have shown improvements this season, Calvert-Lewin and Davies are a couple, and I am sure there are others who have improved through the help of the coaches.

Anthony Batty 113Posted
30/11/2019 at
16:55:46

I agree with Jim Bennings, we get everybody's rejects – Sigurdsson, Kean, Gueye to name a few – and players we bring through from the academy, who have the potential to be good players, we sell to line the owner's pocket. It's a disgraceful way to run a club.

How long before Calvert-Lewin, Davies etc are sold to put money in the already bulging pocket of Kenwright?

John Boon 114Posted
30/11/2019 at
17:13:54

I have just watched two games and seen two of our rivals in our fight against relegation. Newcastle got one ridiculous point against Man C, and West Ham really lucked out for three points against Chelsea. I know we are playing lousy,but I also think the "Football Gods", are conspiring against us. Even other results never seem to go our way. WE will need some real slices of luck against Leicester whatever team we put out. More than that we need desire, grit, dedication and at least some form of leadership, both on the field and on the sidelines.

Peter Thistle 115Posted
30/11/2019 at
17:15:49

It's gonna be a hard watch whatever team we put out. I can see Leicester ripping us a new one and the same in the derby. It's not gonna be a pleasant few weeks apart from Silva getting sacked and we move on. To be honest, he has been unlucky with injuries, we barely have a team.

Hugh Jenkins 116Posted
30/11/2019 at
17:17:11

George (98)

Please also bear in mind that the U23 are now what used to be called the "Reserves". As such, it may be that Unsy is "asked" by the first-team management to play certain players who are recovering from injury, or need "game time", or that have been out of first-team contention for some other reason and the first-team management want to have a 'look" at them.

They may not, actually be Unsy's choice at that time or place.

Neil Wood 117Posted
30/11/2019 at
17:29:56

Anthony @ 113. Gueye someones reject? Kean someones reject? Really?

Rob Marsh 118Posted
30/11/2019 at
17:30:14

Jason Wilkinson # 86

Well said, hilarious and it sums things up.

I'll just add a few for our dynamic directors and manager:

SchmoozerDufferShirkerNo-hoper

Joe McMahon 119Posted
30/11/2019 at
17:39:29

Anthony, exactly who would buy Calvert-Lewin?

Rob Marsh 120Posted
30/11/2019 at
17:41:07

Anthony # 113

Gueye a reject?

Mark Guglielmo 121Posted
30/11/2019 at
18:07:53

Anthony @113, I'll pile on. Sigurdsson a reject? Gana a reject? Kean a reject? I might suggest fully analyzing the circumstances around which Juventus parted with the lad.

When we bought Gana from Villa he was valued at ballpark £8m. When we sold him to PSG he was valued at £27m. Maybe it was because Villa had a fire sale when they finished 20th and went down?

And I don't even rate Sigurdsson today, but it's pretty easily argued that we went after him when he was at peak value as well as performance coming from Swansea. He scored 9g, 13a his final year on their squad. So...yeah, probably not a reject. Perhaps you meant one of the only sellable assets for a team that finished 15th, and would be relegated the following year?

I hope you don't play the stock market!

Andy Crooks 122Posted
30/11/2019 at
18:17:46

I don't think we will "be ripped a new one" in either game. I think the players will give their all for Silva. I think we will play well and, as is our and Silva's luck, lose in desperately unfortunate circumstances. That is the Everton Way.

I don't fear either. All the players must do is look to the terraces and see the best away fans in the world. Then, act like men and become heroes. Fuck defeatism – let us believe.

David Pearl 123Posted
30/11/2019 at
18:19:01

I'd say Anthony was taking the piss. We have Schneiderlin whom you could call a Man Utd reject. That's about it. Everyone else has been purchased for a lot of money. “60 grand, 60 grand”...

Mark Guglielmo 124Posted
30/11/2019 at
18:23:36

Andy @122, good optimism. It brings me to a question I meant to, but forgot to ask previously. Do you think more supporters would feel better if did exactly what you said, put in a hard day of work, and lost 3-2, or just lost and looked like poop again. Probably a rhetorical question as I read it back haha.

David @123 it's very hard to tell, but I'd honestly lean toward 'being serious'. There have been a great many comments/thoughts here on TW about Digne, Gomes and Mina being Barca rejects, or Iwobi not cutting it at Arsenal, etc. So the sentiment wouldn't exactly surprise me.

Dave Abrahams 125Posted
30/11/2019 at
18:27:28

Andy (122), good post mate, we could do with some more optimistic posters like yourself. Everton are in a bad way, we all know that, we really don't need our own fans rubbing it in.

It takes a fan living in Ireland, who would love to be able to watch us every week, to bring a bit of cheer to this thread and to acknowledge the great fans who travel to away games everywhere to cheer us on. Let's get behind these fans and bring some glee to the support instead of outright defeatism.

Tony Hill 126Posted
30/11/2019 at
18:31:53

Andy, @122, I wish I could think in the same way but I think these players are gutless. We certainly must all hold together and give them our support, of course. The question is whether they have any professional self-respect because there was none at all on show last week.

For some reason, l also forgot that Everton always let me down in my bets. I had City to draw and West Ham to win, 50/1 Double... now l just need Everton to beat Leicester and Liverpool for 4 grand, haha. You never know... Andy could be right. Coyb

Andy Crooks 129Posted
30/11/2019 at
18:39:12

Dave, I think back to Easter Sunday when I had such a great day with you and your family. We took Man Utd apart.

Never in a million years would I have thought we would be where we are now. We have the same coach, many of the same players. If we play without fear we can win. It us up to Marco to remove the fear. This is his chance.

Maybe Silva needs to bring Niasse in from the cold to save his job!! You never know.

Dave Ganley 133Posted
30/11/2019 at
18:49:27

Admirable post, Andy (#122),

It does beg the question, though, that if you're correct, why can't they do that every game instead of strolling around, going side to side, and having all the penetration of an abstinent monk?

Truth is that they have good games in them, as we have seen at the back end of last season, although precious little this, but they have many days whereby they haven't got a clue. Being beaten at home by the likes of Sheffield United and Norwich City and losing 7 games out of 13 this season says it all really. And all the chest-thumping isn't going to change that.

I expect they may put up a bit of fight in the next 2 games but it won't change the fact that we look clueless most of the time. The players and manager have shown countless times how little respect they have for the Goodison Park faithful by their insipid performances and ridiculous excuses like being surprised at how good Norwich are!!

This is not what I expect of Everton. I expect a performance every game and, when it doesn't happen, we have a right to ask why not? Sad fact of the matter is that we have stopped asking that question a long time ago and now seem pleased when we put up a bit of effort against decent teams. Desperate times.

Dave Abrahams 134Posted
30/11/2019 at
18:53:08

Andy (129), yes dark days at the moment, but we've got to believe as you do, no use giving up before the game has even started.

Mark (127), I doubt if Andy is drunk, but I wouldn't mind betting he'll have a good few if we get some points out of Leicester and Liverpool, especially Liverpool. Andy lives in Belfast but his football soul resides in the Blue side of Liverpool.

Bill Gienapp 135Posted
30/11/2019 at
18:56:07

Anthony (113) - by your logic, you might as well say the entire squad is rejects, just by virtue of us having bought them in the first place.

Mark Guglielmo 136Posted
30/11/2019 at
18:56:28

Mick @131 love the reference lol.

Dave @133 what you're saying is not wrong, though I think we have to consider that we've rarely been able to start the same XI back-to-back, regardless of injuries or not. It's impossible for these players to gel, especially the new Blues.

This is another area that explains why Leicester is doing so well. All their key components play together, week-in & week-out.

John Pierce 137Posted
30/11/2019 at
19:00:00

Theres nearly always an apparent up turn in health before the patient finally expires.

Derek Taylor 138Posted
30/11/2019 at
19:03:21

May I return this thread to its original topic, viz tomorrow's game at Leicester. So inconsistent have Silva's teams been here and elsewhere that they are more than likely to get a result to stay the criticism and execution.

Over these many years, I have won big money by backing the 'hopeless' underdog; whilst this has usually been in the boxing ring, it works occasionally on the football pitch. 6/1 against an Everton win is widely available and good value for a modest fiver bet.

So why not join me in doing penance for all we have said throughout this week, you'll feel all the better for it – particularly if the lads shock the nation.

ps: Of course, if it comes off, we know things will return to normal in the derby!

Dave Ganley 139Posted
30/11/2019 at
19:04:02

To be fair, Mark (#136), Silva makes a rod for his own back with team selection. Even without injuries, which I might add every team has to contend with, he still changes every week.

Striker position is case in point. It was no coincidence when we had a decent run at the back end of last season that selection was consistent. He doesn't seem to have even learned that simple lesson.

Tony Abrahams 140Posted
30/11/2019 at
19:09:12

Very good post, Andy, without belief we have nothing, and I'd hate to be a supporter who had nothing mate!

Dave Williams 142Posted
30/11/2019 at
19:14:01

Fourth from bottom – this is deadly serious stuff and not a time for false optimism. The travelling fans have to grit their teeth and make an unholy racket of encouragement and hope that the players feel the same way. We need to get well and truly stuck in with no thoughts of how unlucky we might have been etc.

We have to get points!

David Pearl 143Posted
30/11/2019 at
19:16:27

Derek, I've played £2 accum. City/New draw at 5s, West Ham to beat Chelsea at 8s, so l've got £102 going on us to win the next two games for 4 grand. I'm thinking we could pull an upset tomorrow with a good start. This is Everton.

Brian Wilkinson 144Posted
30/11/2019 at
19:17:02

As fellow Evertonians will know, nothing surprises us with Everton anymore, they build you up then knock you back down.

I would not be shocked if we got something out of the Leicester game, all logic points elsewhere, but this is Everton.

Mark Guglielmo 145Posted
30/11/2019 at
19:20:22

Dave @139, we're in complete agreement. Because that's what I said :-)

"though I think we have to consider that we've rarely been able to start the same XI back-to-back, regardless of injuries or not. It's impossible for these players to gel, especially the new Blues."

Cheers, mate, for being smart like me ;-)

Brian Wilkinson 146Posted
30/11/2019 at
19:20:31

Would not rule the first one out Dave, but no matter how well we play Weds, you just know those spawny sods will pick something out of the locker, whether the help with the ref or VAR, we are up against everything Wednesday.

Best of luck though mate.

Brent Stephens 147Posted
30/11/2019 at
19:21:00

John #137 "Theres nearly always an apparent up turn in health before the patient finally expires".

And look at the ways dead cats bounce. Strangely, I travel tomorrow with not a little bit of hope. An early goal, a boost to confidence...

My missus has treated me to a first class train ticket. But it's only one-way. Is she trying to tell me something?

Derek Knox 148Posted
30/11/2019 at
19:21:24

John P @ 137, I can hear the wailing of a banshee, the Death Rattle, for whom the bell tolls Marco, ah it tolls for thee!

Close the Coffin Lid on your way out. :-)

Brent Stephens 149Posted
30/11/2019 at
19:25:35

"Close the Coffin Lid on your way out. :-)"

Morbidly brilliant!

We could scatter him at Finch Farm - no cremation, just scatter him at FF.

Paul Hewitt 150Posted
30/11/2019 at
19:25:55

Lose tomorrow, Silva out, Moyes in. I don't give a shit how he left us. What he's done since. We are in serious trouble. We need organisation, hard work and effort. Under Moyes you will get that.

Tony Hill 151Posted
30/11/2019 at
19:28:18

Yes, Dave @142, it's no time for empty rallying cries. The players should be shamed into action.

Oliver Molloy 152Posted
30/11/2019 at
19:28:39

A win would do wonders for the team going into the derby. Even though they deserve to be where they are in the Premier League, Leicester have had a right bit of luck go their way so far. But they are due a defeat and I believe we can take 3 points tomorrow.

And if ever there was a time for an Everton team to turn up at Anfield, then this is it. We don't want Klopp setting a new unbeaten record against us... doesn't bear thinking about!

If we lose tomorrow and Southampton beat Norwich on Wednesday we'll be in the bottom three.

That event will really signal something is seriously wrong.

Eric Paul 157Posted
30/11/2019 at
19:37:27

Derek,

A bttsw £10 treble on us Sheff Utd and Villa pays just under 10 gorillas.

Paul Hewitt 158Posted
30/11/2019 at
19:38:53

Silva should have gone after the Burnley defeat. We have wasted too many games now with Silva in charge. I'm sure if he had been sacked then, we wouldn't be in the mess we are.

Rob Marsh 159Posted
30/11/2019 at
19:39:13

Paul Hewitt #150,

Well and truly yesterday's man, achieved nothing since he left us, other than destroying Man Utd and taking Sunderland down.

He called us The People's Club and then dumped all over us when he left.

Moyes, no thanks.

Mick Davies 160Posted
30/11/2019 at
19:40:32

Paul Hewitt 150 "Lose tomorrow, Silva out, Moyes in"...

Yeah right, he took over Sunderland in similar circumstances and took them down with an 18% win rate, and a misogynist threat on a reporter too. There wouldn't be the fanfare he received in 2002, and no 'new manager' bounce, so he would be the worst possible appointment.

Before him, I'd have Fat Sam back. (I think he's actually still being paid by EFC so it makes sense!)

Danny Baily 161Posted
30/11/2019 at
19:41:14

Results did not go our way today. Here's hoping for two shock results from us.

If anything, I think Wednesday is the more likely to come off.

Robert Williams 162Posted
30/11/2019 at
19:41:48

Mick @131.

Moshiri on clarinet playing 'Stranger on the Dock'; Silva on trombone, blowing hot air; Brands, banging his own drum; and dear old Bill – on the fiddle. With Ferguson on vocals, singing "I wish I was a rich man."

All out of tune, out of sync and drawing boos from the fans. Venue Goodison Park, Liverpool and other theatres of dreams – showing weakly (sic). Tickets available on StubHub.

Derek Taylor 163Posted
30/11/2019 at
19:45:34

Good luck, David at 143, Remember, Ruiz beat Joshua, Byrd beat Lewis, and Wimbledon beat Them — all at far bigger odds than tomorrow's scrap. Here's hoping you can mark off another successful leg of your very brave acca!

Derek Taylor 164Posted
30/11/2019 at
19:51:45

Eric @ 157. You should be ashamed of yourself.

ps: Who is your bookie?

John Pierce 165Posted
30/11/2019 at
19:57:43

Brent/Derek!

Made me chuckle that. What death throes our season would be getting relegated yet taking six points from that lot over the road!!!

Trevor Peers 166Posted
30/11/2019 at
20:06:32

At least Paul Hewitt #150Has a plan B no one else has mentioned an alternative to the dreaded Silva. I can't see big Sam coming back.It has to be Eddie Howe for me, he would unite the club.

Besides no decent foreign manager would come anywhere near us, all the crap ones would. Probably the ones Brands calls his friends. We have to get this sorted after the Derby game and I think it will be, or we're going the same way as the Titanic.

Rob Marsh 167Posted
30/11/2019 at
20:06:36

John # 165

Given the choice there's some on here who would prefer to take 6 pts off the dark side and then go down.

Alan McGuffog 168Posted
30/11/2019 at
20:09:28

Brian 144. I know what you mean but these days they don't even bother building your hopes up. They just churn out shite week in week out, year in year out.

Rob Marsh 169Posted
30/11/2019 at
20:14:39

Trevor # 166

The Titanic stayed afloat for a while and tried to save the situation, we're about to do a Lusitania, that's disappear without so much as a radio message or splash.

Trevor Peers 170Posted
30/11/2019 at
20:19:53

Rob #169 I've got that sinking feeling.Maybe we should replace the flags on seats at the next home game for lifebelts ?

Rob Marsh 171Posted
30/11/2019 at
20:23:46

Trevor,

That's actually a good idea, just image 39000 in them.

I still think they wouldn't get the message though.

Rob Marsh 172Posted
30/11/2019 at
20:34:18

Apparently Martin O'Neill has an outside chancee for the job, f"""""" hell can this get any worse?

Billy Bradshaw 173Posted
30/11/2019 at
20:34:51

Wouldn't it be nice to be a fly on the wall in Marco's bedroom tonight,bet you he doesn't get a wink.

Laurie Hartley 174Posted
30/11/2019 at
20:35:36

Julian # 90 - I got down as far as your post and felt compelled to respond.

Marco Silva did indeed handle himself really well in that interview as opposed to the characters posting the questions.

There “daggers drawn” approach now has me sincerely hoping he finds a way to turn this around.

Anthony Murphy 175Posted
30/11/2019 at
20:41:14

If we decide to let Silva go and would need (for whatever reason) to delay appointing a long term replacement until the end of the season, can anyone suggest a short term fix if Moyes or the inexperienced Unsworth arent the answer? Someone we would accept and who will steady the ship and steer us to safety, yet be happy to accept a 6 month contract? Genuine question. I'm not advocating Moyes or Unsworth but I cant think of one.

I think this is part of the problem. I have it from a fairly reliable source that we sounded out Moyes about exactly this, but he turned us down due to the short term nature of the offer - this may not be new news to some, but it at least highlights the way we are thinking.

Rob Marsh 176Posted
30/11/2019 at
20:42:33

Laurie # 174

Even if he does get a few results from the upcoming games we'll probably slip back into the same old same old come the new year.

It would have been kind to release him many weeks ago, rather than put him and us through what's about to happen. A new manager or caretaker with a month or so might have had time to prepare?

Martin Mason 177Posted
30/11/2019 at
20:46:18

We will probably lose 1-0 or 2-0 tomorrow in a close scrappy game. Some may say that this is a good result but it isn't. In the overall scheme of things it may as well be 10-0 because it will still show the chasm between us and anybody who is a serious top 6 challenger. If we win it will be the shock of the season and probably only because of forced changes even in the dreadful system that Silva forces on the players.

Ian Riley 178Posted
30/11/2019 at
20:47:43

It will all be fine. Don't worry. Mid table and a trophy in the cabinet. I have to think like this! My friend (well was) told me Everton need a manager to get out of the championship!

See you all in church tomorrow!!

Rob Marsh 179Posted
30/11/2019 at
20:48:04

Anthony # 175

The current positon we are in cannot be underestimated.

We are still paying Big Sam from last time and he did a very good job of keeping us up, chuck him a few more million (make it worth his while) and a "Play it again Sam!" (until the end of the season, then adios).

We are desperate!

Ryan Holroyd 180Posted
30/11/2019 at
20:48:41

Some of the team selections on here 🤦‍♂️

Mark Guglielmo 181Posted
30/11/2019 at
20:54:28

Paul @150/Trevor @166 so you'd both be okay with Moyes for 2 years? Because he already so no to a 6-mo. caretaker role.

Ryan @180 what's your starting XI?

Trevor Peers 182Posted
30/11/2019 at
20:56:30

Mark Eddie Howe was my suggestion.

Mark Guglielmo 183Posted
30/11/2019 at
20:58:53

Trevor, appreciate you at least having a name to offer. Howe's been a disaster for me, personally. Regardless of our respective table spots, Bournemouth is just...not good. And apparently getting worse by the match. And naturally we lost to them lol.

Paul Birmingham 184Posted
30/11/2019 at
21:07:49

Tomorrow as the next game, and if this squad has any ounce of decency and care and conside that they are playing for their careers at EFC, then they should play like they are possessed.

To play with guts, care and spirit for 95 mins is as rare for this squad, as me winning on the horses.

Tomorrow if they cant get focused and driven for this game, then many will follow the manager.

Mediocrity is not an option in professional football, but at EFC, regrettably its become norm.

Rogers has proved to be a decent manager and I consider a good man manager.

The team must play like wolves tomorrow, and take their chances.

Im blanking Leicester out iof my mind, for all their prowess this season.

The irony is we win we do the RS, a favour, but I always want us to win.

Lets hope and pray we can cause a nice surprise.

Form suggest extremely unlikely, but lets do one game at a time, and take the RS, after tomorrows game.

Surely the players will be up for it? Id go 4-4-2, on the basis the team has a game plan and sticks to it. Forget about their players and form, its up to us on the day.

Paul Hewitt 185Posted
30/11/2019 at
21:11:31

Mark@181. I just want someone to get us out of this shit, we are in.

Trevor Peers 186Posted
30/11/2019 at
21:11:31

Mark#183Bournemouth are above us on limited resources, Howe has been there a long time and is highly regarded, he's worked miracles at a small club. Who ever we get will be a huge gamble at the stage of decay we are at, beggars can't be choosers. Arteta won't come here, so don't go there.

Eric Paul 187Posted
30/11/2019 at
21:13:48

Derek @164Thats for us to win. bttsw is a great bet its paid for my seasie for the last 5 years as well as my last 3 holidays but zilcho so far this season

Andy Crooks 188Posted
30/11/2019 at
21:21:11

Martin O'Neill? I admire and respect Martin and think he is a top man. As our next coach? In the short term, NO. With the remit to rebuild our team on a five year contract. Now that's a different matter.NO a million times NO.

Martin Mason 189Posted
30/11/2019 at
21:24:23

Whoever we take on as head coach will be a massive gamble in the position we're in. The odds against even the very best succeeding are astronomical. It is the club that is in decline and the rot is top down not from Silva up. Silva is a symptom of the problem but he isn't the problem no more or less than his predecessors were.Bill Kenwright and his cronies are the real problem at Everton, he is a benign cancer that must be exorcised if we are to become a professional modern club.

David Pearl 190Posted
30/11/2019 at
21:27:48

Its bizarre. Thinking back to all the decisions against us over the years. Don Hutchisons goal. Pickford last season. McCallisters free kick. I mean we are talking last second, not even last minute. We are cursed.

Nobody else has really mentioned Bilic. I know its a lot different being a manager to a pundit (Gary Neville) but l think he knows his stuff. Im any case l think that Brands has to access the squad and choose a manager that would get the best of them while also identifying a style that fits them... and the crowd.

From Martínez to Koeman was the biggest mistake weve made since Moshiri came in, you cant buy a set of players for one style of play then rip it up and start again with something completely different. Well, we can.

Mark Guglielmo 191Posted
30/11/2019 at
21:29:28

Paul @185 fair play, but it shouldn't be Moyes ever again.

Trevor @186 that's about the only part that I can see, the less resources piece. They're not poor, but they've spent anywhere from 20-60% less than us. He's somewhat intriguing with Moshiri's pocketbook and working in unison with Brands.

But what if I want Arteta really, really badly? Think he'd come then?

Oh, and I mentioned it elsewhere on TW, but Marcelino to me is a very intriguing option, and he's available. Very nice recent CV, from a very similar situation in La Liga that we find ourselves in now.

Andy Crooks 192Posted
30/11/2019 at
21:31:47

Paul Hewitt @185:

"I just want someone to get us out of this shit we are in".

That is how I feel exactly. Paul, could you in a million years have thought at the start of the season we would be where we are now? No? Me neither.

I have "the fear" about us and I need a cool hand like Jay Wood, Steve Ferns or Darren Hind to put up an article saying we are safe and all will be well.

Paul Hewitt 193Posted
30/11/2019 at
21:45:44

Andy@192. Unfortunately with Silva incharge,we are not in safe hands.In fact I would say we are in the worst hands possible.

Tony Hill 194Posted
30/11/2019 at
21:49:41

We need to buy astutely in January to shore up midfield and attack. On balance, we have too much to go down, but I think it is a tight balance this season.

We have, through gross negligence, failed to equip ourselves with at least one reliable goalscorer for three seasons. It is no surprise that we are in trouble, we've been playing with fire and now we are getting burned.

Mark Guglielmo 195Posted
30/11/2019 at
21:57:12

Even when we don't play, we get crappy calls that go against us. Soton's 1st goal should never ever have counted given the new rule that any goal which follows a handball, even incidental, won't count. They didn't even check it!

Danny Baily 196Posted
30/11/2019 at
22:10:58

Martin 189, why blame Kenwright for the position we are currently in? As far as I'm concerned, the bad choices and wrong moves have all been at the behest of Moshiri. The hiring of Walsh and the pursuit of Silva chief amongst them.

Jonathan Tasker 197Posted
30/11/2019 at
22:17:42

What will happen next

We lose tomorrow

Moyes comes in on Monday

Ferguson is retained as part of the coaching staff

We lose on Wednesday

Moyes keeps us up -just

The new, foreign, manager arrives in the summer

The pattern starts again

Paul Birmingham 198Posted
30/11/2019 at
22:19:41

Time to rebuild the house, the house rules, the structures, the beliefs and if theres a club vision, start fresh.

Clear the heads, and start fresh. Years of stop, start, same old, result, and we are in a rut.

Same old, doesnt work, and a ruthless restart is needed at board level.

The club is in a mess, and is in decline,regardless of what the club may say, as theres no plan or desire to start fresh.

The focus is on tomorrows game, like none in recent times we need a result. Last seasons again would do.

Rob Marsh 199Posted
30/11/2019 at
22:29:00

Tony Hill #194,

"We have too much to go down"

Tony, I wince every time somebody writes that.

Ken Kneale 200Posted
30/11/2019 at
22:32:07

Danny If Martin is thinking along the same lines as many of us, he refers to the 30 year destruction of Everton since Kenwright joined the board, then took over completely, during which time our standing in the game plummeted.

We won bugger all, we collapsed at every big game and we took on the ridiculous moniker of 'plucky little Everton' – I could go on but it boils the blood a little bit and we have a big week ahead.

Paul Hewitt 201Posted
30/11/2019 at
22:45:17

Tony @194. That's the sought of thinking that will take us down.

Stephen Davies 202Posted
30/11/2019 at
22:49:16

Paul #198,

Spot on there. We went for instant success. We need to do all you what you mentioned in your message starting with the Board.

We should have an U23 Squad full of players who can step right into the 1st team if there are a string of injuries (as now) as they would have been playing the same style of play as the 1st team. Presently, all the playing levels play differently.

We have to build; instant success is not working.

Neil Cremin 203Posted
30/11/2019 at
23:00:22

Haven't read any of the posts but would like to pose a question to all you loyal Evertonians:

What do you want to happen tomorrow?Everton to win (Giving Silva some reprieve)Everton to lose (Speeding Silva's departure)

A moral dilemma. Remember where Kendall was before Adrian Heath scored the goal in the old League Cup. Are you a true Blue?

Tony Hill 204Posted
30/11/2019 at
23:00:41

Rob @199 and Paul @201, I'm not sure what you mean. I'm expressing a view that we are unlikely to be relegated. I may be wrong. I'm not sure what "thinking" you're talking about Paul. The absence of a goalscorer is a patent dereliction of duty by our recruiters. My saying so is not going to affect whether we stay up.

If we're not careful both fans and players are going to tie themselves in knots. We simply have to go out in games and develop some hardness of mind. It would help if our fanbase did not consistently delude itself as to the size of the challenge we face as a club.

Nigel Peters 205Posted
30/11/2019 at
23:01:12

You only have to look at the table to see that most of the mid table sides (anything from 5th downwards) have been grossly inconsistent so far this season. Reality is we have been a bit more so than most, hence our position.

Given the lack of confidence, the manager's stubbornness and miserable disposition, the injuries and the impending December fixture list, it's hard to see us not in the bottom 3 heading into the New Year.

Reality appears to be that there are no available options to replace Silva and, unless we can conjure a goal scorer in the January window, little chance of relief on the pitch.

It is getting near the time when we will have to circle the wagons and grind out some unlikely results I just hope the current squad have got the stomach for the fight because most of the teams around us certainly have.

Paul Birmingham 206Posted
30/11/2019 at
23:15:54

It's strange days, in football, as life.

If Everton as a club, start the day with belief and can do, attitude, we have a level chance of a result.

Injuries aside, tomorrow we should take the initiative and drive for a result.

Leicester are good, but never will be great. Seconds in time, moments in football, years at the top, no guarantee.

Only a few clubs can do it consistently. Everton have a good early history, but hand on heart, the last 30 years, we have been poor.

A business, football is, Everton, must move with stealth, to stay in the football business.

Bar a miracle, we will be in the bottom 3 by 31 December 2019. I hope, I'm wrong, and we win and draw, but form, and injuries, are against us.

Tomorrow, who knows, we could get a result?

Paul Hewitt 207Posted
30/11/2019 at
23:24:08

Sorry Tony. You said we had to much to go down. I was wondering on what you base that on?

Colin Glassar 208Posted
30/11/2019 at
23:27:38

We need a miracle tomorrow.

Rob Marsh 209Posted
30/11/2019 at
23:28:18

Paul # 206

"Leicester are good, but never will be great. Seconds in time, moments in football, years at the top, no guarantee."

It could be argued what Leicester did gives the greatness, they broke the monopoly of the SKY babes.

Did any club in our league look like giving the rest of us any hope like with what they achieved.

Where were we and our greatness when this was happening.

I'm proud of our history, but that's what it is history, our star is fading fast, Leicester's is shining rather brightly for a second time not so long after their most recent great achievement.

Tony Hill 210Posted
30/11/2019 at
23:36:31

I think, Paul, that over the course of the season we will have enough quality to be better than three other sides. But, as I said above, it is a tight balance. I am certainly not complacent. Indeed, I think I was ahead of most in perceiving an Aston Villa type threat to our club. I have been jittery about relegation since Martinez's second season.

We have to dig in and build again, because we've cocked up the chances we've had to take a somewhat quicker route. It's a long road ahead; with realism and some luck we can get to the end of it.

Paul Birmingham 211Posted
30/11/2019 at
23:43:31

Rob, zackly, agreed.

Such is the way it is. I dont believe that we are cursed or forsaken, but very,very unlucky.

Time, waits for no one. But Everton, if serious, must call time on being pretending to be a proper club, in terms of the board. Its become a pendant to the long distant past.

Like many, we have given our hearts and souls to a club, which at current rates, in business, and at football levels, has no good stock value.

The hard work within the club, needs to start and tomorrow.

Rebuild and grow and learn from our mistakes, and what happens around us.

Lets get our pride back, by playing the right way on the park.

Paul Hewitt 212Posted
30/11/2019 at
23:43:43

I hope you're right Tony. But with a flapping keeper, inconsistent defence, useless midfield. And strikers that don't score, I fear the worst.

Dave Williams 213Posted
30/11/2019 at
23:44:46

Leicester are a good team but not great. Liverpool are better, Arsenal and Man Utd are beatable and Chelsea can also be beaten.

We however have been terrible pretty much all season. Our results against the above and indeed the quarter final v Leicester will depend on how we play more than on how the opposition play. Even with our injuries, we can put out a strong team full of internationals.

Play as we did against Sheffield and Norwich and we will lose the lot. Show some guts and determination not to lose, play with energy and pace and really get stuck in and play as a true team with absolutely every player giving his maximum and we can pull clear of the bottom three.

Do I think Silva can do this? Well I've seen no signs so far this season and if two out of Morgan, Gylfi and Delph play then we are stuffed. Only one of them if not none at all and we have a chance if he can get the team motivated, knowing that his job is on the line and we are in desperate need of points for premier league survival. We are not too good to go down. We are here because our results and performances have been crap.

We have lost to all of the promoted clubs and not just by one goal – a dreadfully poor record even before the stat that we don't fight back to win with this manager.

It will be an interesting day.

Mark Guglielmo 214Posted
30/11/2019 at
23:47:34

Neil @203 that's shouldn't even be a choice to consider, and I believe it was Darren Hind who penned an article about it. Anyone who is actively hoping we lose shouldn't be a Blues fan. Not going to bother saying IMO, because it's a fact.

Dave @213 great news then! Morgan & Delph are out, so 2 of the 3 you posed can't play.

Paul H@several posts/Tony H countering @several posts it's funny we argue about this, don't you think? Pessimism vs. optimism. There is no more accuracy in definitively saying "we will be relegated" than there is "we won't be relegated." Unless someone can see the future, in which case what are we even arguing about? Let's all go place some quid on future results and get rich!!

(I'm in the 'won't get relegated' camp, personally)

Brian Wilkinson 215Posted
30/11/2019 at
23:50:35

Anyone seen Greenwood at Man Utd, 17 years old but at least getting chances in the first team, we have Anthony Gordon and our Manager is shitting himself on taking a chance with him, same with Gibson in defence. We even allowed Jonjoe Kenny to go out on loan, rather than give him an extended run in the team.

Some might say it could ruin a player coming into the current side, but it could also go the other way, where they do the business.

If Silva really wants to keep his job, he has to gamble and put trust in these players, he may get lucky Sunday down to certain players being ruled out for tomorrow's game and the ones coming in doing a job.

Make no mistake if Coleman, Schnids and Walcott were able to play, they would be certs to start with Silva.

This could be a big break for Silva, down to luck on forced team selection.

Dave Williams 216Posted
30/11/2019 at
23:53:00

Mark, I wouldn't bet on that. It wouldn't surprise me if one of them played because of Silvas reluctance to try something more vibrant.

I don't wish injuries on any player but we need to win tomorrow and two of them will ensure we play a slow game and we will be swamped if we do.

Hope you're right mate!

Mark Guglielmo 217Posted
30/11/2019 at
23:53:49

Dave if he wants to play a slow game, I have nothing to do tomorrow :-D

Bill Gall 218Posted
30/11/2019 at
23:54:22

Neil #203, I have been an Everton supporter from 1955 56 and seen good and bad managers and this season and other seasons have been in favor of a manager to be fired... But there is one thing I will never do and that is hope that Everton lose a game regardless of the outcome.

Managers and players come and go, but as a supporter you are there for the long run even if, like it has been for a while, rather depressing, and what makes it worse is how well the other lot are doing on the pitch, and in their boardroom.

Dave Williams 219Posted
30/11/2019 at
23:55:30

Mark- me too. Im 64 but could do 20 minutes with more dash and verve than some of them.

Paul Birmingham 220Posted
30/11/2019 at
23:57:56

Brian, deffo, agree, but those that start must play like Spartans, tomorrow.

Its a gauge as much of the result, but of the real back bone and stomach of EFC, board and all, for a battle.

The fans have, nor will ever let EFC, down. The board, need to decide, whats it all about.

With the investment made in new players, the last four years, we are massively under achieving.

Whats the answer?

Dave Williams 221Posted
01/12/2019 at
00:03:04

Brian, I totally agree and I posted something very similar this morning. Give these lads a chance- not all together but you just never know unless you try.

What a loss Jonjoe Kenny has been!

Stan Schofield 222Posted
30/11/2019 at
00:03:05

Rob @209: History is crucial. If it weren't, we wouldn't be discussing Leicester (apart from some current good form), because 2016 is history, and Liverpool wouldn't be media darlings, because their past successes wouldn't be important.

History for me is what I've experienced, particularly the best, which is 8 trophies and great football to go with them. For a current young Man City supporter, they will always view their team as a great footballing trophy winner. For a young Evertonian, they probably view Everton as mediocre. For a 65-year-old Evertonian like me, they view Everton as currently mediocre but great in the big sweep of things. It's all about perspective and what you've experienced, what has seeped into you blood.

Leicester fans will be content with that one Premier League title, whereas we would always demand more because of our richer history.

John P McFarlane 223Posted
30/11/2019 at
00:18:52

It never used to be this way, we used to be a defiant bunch of so and so's and it was Everton first and foremost and screw every other team that crossed our path, no matter their status or standing. I don't know when it actually changed but the unhealthy dwelling on other club's results apart from our own over the years hasn't helped as we hoped team x, y or z would win this or that game so as to stop our rivals from winning this or that trophy.

Worse still a defeat at home or away, but especially away, to one of the top four, six or whatever, became acceptable because we recognised that we didn't have the wherewithall to compete at the upper stratosphere of the league and somewhere in that 'truth' we lost our belief in our club our team and our identity.

Patiently, we all waited for the financial clout to arrive to help push us back to where we used to be, alas, when the money arrived the infrastructure required to achieve that objective wasn't in place.

In fact there has been no infrastructure whatsoever, for as many years as I can remember, success has arrived mostly due to the abilities of the manager whether that was Catterick, Kendall, Royle or even Moyes in the good times.

Unfortunately we are no longer a big club, I'm not certain that we have been one for most of my time of watching, even during the halcyon days of the 1980s. We have a big fan-base and always have had, which is mostly what has kept the club going in times of crisis, even when some fans didn't necessarily attend the games the interest has always been there, I don't suppose that it ever leaves us.

One of the issues we do have as a fan-base is as soon as the gap between the bottom three and Everton narrows we go into meltdown and hysteria takes over, where's our next point coming from? Who's going to score the goals required? How will we keep the opponents from scoring? It also works the other way, we beat a so called big club and hey presto we're on our way to the top, but the 'It's Everton that!' philosophy is never too far away, they'll screw up when it matters, they'll find a way to miss out etc etc.

I'm all for gallows humour as I'm a practioner of that particular dark art myself, I'm also in favour of seeing the reality of any given situation and we should all shout 'fire' if we see flames and smoke bellowing out of the windows, however, we mustn't totally give up on our club, we mustn't accept that we are beaten before a ball is kicked in any given game, we cannot lie down and accept relegation as a fait accompli

We have to somehow find that belief - even if it's deluded, mis-placed belief that we can win any fixture because football is a sport and in sport things can alter with a bounce of the ball or a lucky deflection or a bad call going in our favour (for once). Most of all we have to remember that defiance we once had, 'We are Everton' and we're proud to be so if not 'who are we?'

Derek Knox 224Posted
01/12/2019 at
00:21:07

John Pierce @ 165, I almost thought on the initial reading of your retort, that you had indeed quoted Shakespeare, who was a source of brilliance and his ripostes and verbiage are still applicable today.

Such are the outrageous slings of fortune, whether that be good or bad, unfortunately most of them apply to the Everton we know our team today!

Paul Hewitt 225Posted
01/12/2019 at
00:26:40

Having a great history is all well and good. But unfortunately, it means nothing in the bigger picture.

Do Man City have a better history than us? No, but their future is drawn well better.

Paul Birmingham 226Posted
01/12/2019 at
00:26:43

Lets hope for an omen and an Oxford United, type moment this weekend. Deliverance!

Derek Knox 227Posted
01/12/2019 at
00:32:05

John P McFarlane, are you the son of John McFarlane Snr?If so, I cybernetically shake your hand, I have met John Snr at several TW get-togethers and although we haven't always agreed on every topic, we still remain respectful of each other, but remain friends.

I did notice that John Snr hasn't been posting recently so I sincerely hope that is because of lack of subject matter, and not attributable to anything else!

If you are his son, please give him my regards, a true Blue and a total gentleman!

He has my total respect!

Mark Guglielmo 228Posted
01/12/2019 at
00:34:20

And if not, ignore everything Derek just said. ;-)

Derek Knox 229Posted
01/12/2019 at
00:35:48

Paul, Deliverance?

Unless you play the Banjo (5 string long-neck, or the Guitar) our only chance is to re-watch that Classic Movie!

John P McFarlane 230Posted
01/12/2019 at
00:37:08

Derek, I don't have the honour of being John's son. I'm his Nephew. However, if he rings tomorrow, I will pass on your good wishes to him.

Derek Knox 231Posted
01/12/2019 at
00:43:36

John P, I would appreciate that, so thanks!

Derek Thomas 232Posted
01/12/2019 at
00:43:41

John P McF...or, as a wise man once said - 'We have forgotton the face of our Fathers'

Though to be honest, I don't see anybody in the dressing room getting up and giving it the full Henry V. In fact we'll be lucky if somebody mentions, These are shite lads,

Derek Knox 233Posted
01/12/2019 at
00:54:20

DT, I will save you the ennui of various (Henry V) attributable quotes, but one does spring to mind, which is, thinking on our next match appropriate “Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more: “Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more!"

To be hastily followed by (to Silva) "Out, damned spot! Out I say!"

Derek Knox 234Posted
01/12/2019 at
01:02:32

Sorry, the last one was Macbeth, not Henry V!

Rob Marsh 235Posted
01/12/2019 at
01:06:46

Tony Hilll #210,

That's about how I'm seeing our chances this season, certainly no complacency and it will be a fair bit tighter than most would like.

Rob Marsh 236Posted
01/12/2019 at
01:19:32

Paul #212,

That's the thing, Paul – a group of talented individuals don't always make a talented team.

Rob Marsh 237Posted
01/12/2019 at
01:28:19

Derek Knox # 229

My sister was once part of Burt Reynolds's and Loni Anderson's staff, I could ask her to give Burt a ring and see if he'd be interested in bringing some that 'Mean Machine' attitude over here and playing quarterback for us instead of Sigurdsson.

Ed Prytherch 238Posted
01/12/2019 at
02:11:51

Southampton have a run of games coming up against lower table teams and they will be above us in a couple of weeks if we don't turn it around. How much patience will the board have with Silva if we are in the bottom 3 next weekend?

He surprised a lot of us last season when we started winning. We can hope that lightning will strike twice in the same place.

Jay Wood[BRZ] 239Posted
01/12/2019 at
03:11:38

Anyone remember the name Kia Joorabchian? The British-Iranian who brokered the controversial Tevez and Mascherano transfer to West Ham all those years ago?

The season ended with Sheffield United relegated and West Ham staying up by the skin of their teeth.

Due to dodgy 3rd party ownership, the Premier League later acknowledged that they would never have sanctioned the transfer of the 2 famed Argentinians if they had known the true state of the players' 'ownership.'

Sheffield mounted a legal challenge, but West Ham paid a considerable sum to them to settle out of court.

The reason for the preamble is that it is being reported here in Brazil tonight that Kia Joorabchian is a close friend of fellow Iranian Farhad Moshiri and has been charged with negotiating with Gremio to conclude the €30 million transfer of Everton 'Cebolinha' Soares to the Blues in January, who EFC has been monitoring for months.

Kia Joorabchian has long-standing connections with Brazilian football so he knows the territory. Here is a link - basically an English translation of the original story in Portuguese.

They'll be above us this coming Wednesday and we'll be in the bottom three if form is anything to go by.

Ed Prytherch 241Posted
01/12/2019 at
04:03:45

Jay,

The Blades were screwed by the FA and then they had to sell Jagielka to us.

Fran Mitchell 242Posted
01/12/2019 at
07:16:33

Think this game is huge for us. A bad a result, more than hammering another nail into Silva's coffin, would probably spiral us into a bad December and a very real relegation battle.

A good result (a win, not a draw) could alleviate the pressure and result in an ok December and a mid table finish. It would mean Silva would probably remain until the end of the season.

I don't want Silva as manager, but we must all desperately hope for a win. This team doesn't have the character for a relegation battle.

Mike Gaynes 243Posted
01/12/2019 at
07:32:35

Derek #227, I've had the pleasure of meeting both, and they are both the finest of gentlemen and the Bluest of Blues.

Rob #237, your sister probably has some remarkable stories, although Burt told some of them in his book -- and judging by his account, Loni was meaner than anybody in The Longest Yard, including the guards. However, sadly Burt is no longer around to answer the phone.

Jay #239, interesting. I've never seen him for Gremio but based on what I saw of him in the Copa America, I'd be quite pleased to see Everton at Everton.

Frank Sheppard 244Posted
01/12/2019 at
07:41:05

I am sure the board have noticed that Flores at Watford is doing badly, and possibly sacked today. They probably think its an ideal appointment, & they will be able to get him without compensation !!!!!!

Sam Hoare 245Posted
01/12/2019 at
08:20:37

For the last few years (or longer) we seem to have been at our best when the expectation was lowest, the pressure was off in a sense. Very few expect us to get much from this match or Wednesday so perhaps we'll see something surprising. I'm not convinced though.

Gbamin and Gomes have been very bad luck. Delph less so as he had a history of such injuries. Banigime would surely have had a shot if he was not injured too.

I would maybe try an ambitious 433 with Davies holding and Iwobi and Sigurdsson as box to box players.

Can't see Silva ever playing this team despite the fact it used to be his preferred formation. First goal will be crucial today as ever; the failure to come back from losing positions is one of the most damning reflections on Silva's time here; good managers can positively change matches with substitutions and tactical tweaks, Silva does this less than almost all his peers.

Laurie Hartley 246Posted
01/12/2019 at
08:40:32

Good look to all the travelling Blues today - give them heaps.

My game plan - take them by surprise and pounce on them from the kick off. Thatll rattle them.

Up the Blues!!!

Neil Wood 247Posted
01/12/2019 at
08:46:37

Sam - Don't mind that team but for me, if Bernard is fit he plays. One of the reasons (Only one of) for our demise this year and in previous years is the lack of creativity and quick thinking. Everything is laborious and slow and predictable. We get it in midfield, make a few passes sideways and try and work it down the wing to players who generally can't deliver. At 41 I still feel confident I could create more !

What annoys me is our failure to pick up 6 points from Sheffield Utd and Norwich at home. Those opportunities have been wasted on Silva due to the clubs inability to take action. The wring was on the wall over the Christmas period last year. What a difference those 6 points would make as well.

Sean Kelly 249Posted
01/12/2019 at
08:53:30

Can we get rid of Silva before kick off? It might inspire the players to know they are playing for a new manager and their futures. Hoping for a win but cant see it happening. A win might save us from Moyes. There's no future for either Silva or Moyes at our Club. I've enjoyed the successful history of our club but it does nothing for me now week in week out. It's gone and hopefully Silva will be later win lose or draw.

Laurie Hartley 250Posted
01/12/2019 at
08:54:29

Neil # 247 - I like your team but Seamus is injured.

James Hughes 251Posted
01/12/2019 at
08:57:09

We can't afford to lose this one today, even a point will do. Despite what some deranged 'fans' think, hoping we lose will not help.

So come on you blues put a shift in and play for the fans and the shirt

Derek Knox 252Posted
01/12/2019 at
09:11:17

Rob @ 237, yes Rob, we need some outside influence, as it looks little chance of it being generated by Silva.

Jay @ 239, thanks for the heads up on Joorabchian, assuming the link with Everton (Cebolinha) is true, we could certainly do with him, it raises various questions, which I hope you can answer.

1, Would it be all above board, no dodginess involved?

2, Is he still playing as well as he was when we last saw him?

3, Would there be any work permit issues, or does he have a Portuguese Passport?

You indeed have given me hope Jay, love the little guy from what I have seen of him. Thanks!

Neil Wood 253Posted
01/12/2019 at
09:12:52

Laurie @ 250 - Ooops ! Didn't realise... Sidibe it is then.

The reason I pick Kean in favour of Calvert-Lewin is not through a dislike of Dominic, however, I do feel Kean has that extra something and given an opportunity to show it could really kick start things for him and indeed us.

He is the type of player that I think thrives off notoriety and confidence and once that first couple of goals go in, he will be away.

I know I am always the optimist but I have a sneaking 0-3 feeling today and at 55/1 with Ladbrokes. Everton -2 is my bet of the day.

John Reynolds 254Posted
01/12/2019 at
09:18:01

I wonder if Watford would like Marco back for a second go as they've dispensed with Flores II after 85 days and 10 games?

We could do a reverse Norwich and surprise Leicester today.

Bill Fairfield 255Posted
01/12/2019 at
09:21:21

Please no. That Morgan fella... can't stand him any longer. He puts me on a downer before a ball is kicked.

Derek Knox 256Posted
01/12/2019 at
09:25:12

Bill @ 255, fear not friend, hopefully I can allay your fears, which I usually share too, but according to reports he has some injury, so won't be picked!

Dave Williams 257Posted
01/12/2019 at
10:11:42

Mark, Derek — official site this morning says Morgan is fit!!

Mick Conalty 258Posted
01/12/2019 at
10:12:05

Oh no, no Schneiderlin... what are we going to do now!!!

I know — let's have a fucking big party!

Tony Everan 259Posted
01/12/2019 at
10:17:40

It's times like this when we can learn something about the players: if we go a goal down today, who is up for it? Who is willing to give more and fight with every last drop of blood for the club? Who's head will drop, who will shy from the challenge?

Sometimes you can learn more about people in times of adversity than you ever can during times of success. I would suggest the board watch closely this week and the true depth and allegiance of the characters they have employed will become clear.

I hope Marcel Brands will be taking notes.

Richard Mason 260Posted
01/12/2019 at
10:24:55

On the official website this morning: Schneiderlin passed fit.

Derek Knox 261Posted
01/12/2019 at
10:33:28

Dave, @ 257, thanks for ruining my day, I had just thrown my suicide kit in the bin, thinking that things were eventually looking up, I will have to retrieve it now. :-)

Seriously, if he plays HIM, then he (Silva) deserves the Order of the Boot. I have never disliked an Everton player so much in nearly 60 years. He just oozes negativity, and quite often in a game I am seriously struggling to see him on the pitch, how can you hide on a football pitch (?), but he has mastered it.

Neil Lawson 262Posted
01/12/2019 at
11:03:26

Neil (253). We need to fill Goodison with optimists like you. 3-0 win at Leicester, hey?

Mind you, I wouldn't take your advice on where to place a bet to get the best odds. Add a nought to the 55 and make it an each-way double with Red Rum to win next year's Grand National.

Brent Stephens 263Posted
01/12/2019 at
11:06:10

Dave #257. You misread. It said he's “fit for nothing”.

Dick Fearon 264Posted
01/12/2019 at
11:07:15

Is it an Omen? Mates decorated the place for my 80th. They used a lot of multi-coloured balloons. We watched in amazement when, for no accountable reason, one after another, the Blue ones exploded into many small pieces.

David Greenwood 265Posted
01/12/2019 at
11:13:45

Sad news if Schniederlin is fit because Marco will play him.

Derek, there are two things that he does that let him hide on the pitch. The first is to move towards an opposing player so that he isn't in a position to receive the pass, the second is if he's next to an opponent rather than run into space, he stays beside him, again so he isn't in a position to receive a pass.

Anyway, no point in talking about him, just annoys me and he couldn't care less.

Hoping for the best today, fearing the worst. One nil win, DCL.

COYB

Derek Knox 266Posted
01/12/2019 at
11:14:55

Congrats Dick on your 80th, hope it is not an omen, but our bubble burst a long time ago! :-)

Neil Wood 267Posted
01/12/2019 at
11:17:55

Ha... Neil, the 55/1 odds were for Everton -2 goals. I think that's decent odds and I am on it!

My heart will sink though when I see Shneiderlein and Niasse rolled out at 4:30!

John Keating 268Posted
01/12/2019 at
11:20:31

How can Schneiderlin passing a fitness test be a boost???

Surely it just adds to the nightmare...

Dave McDowell 269Posted
01/12/2019 at
11:31:04

For those lamenting that Schniederlin was unfit can you please enlighten me to what he actually brings to the team?

All I see is lack of energy & pace. Compare him Gueye, that guy covered every blade, non stop. Do you see that from Schniederlin?

Goals?

Cover for our defenders, read our stats.

Leadership? (laughter track insert).

All I see if a player sitting in deep, playing square passes, makes wreckless challenges that nullify his performance, so actually nullify nothing, but leaves us exposed if he gets a second yellow.

Offer me a player who gives 100% for 95 minutes but with supposedly less quality to replace Schniederlin and you have a deal.

Steavey Buckley 270Posted
01/12/2019 at
11:34:43

Everton's problems are cumulative over the past 4 seasons since Koeman was first appointed as manager, then Allardyce... and now Silva, who between them spent large amounts of money that have now left Everton 4th from bottom.

Never in footballing history has so much money been spent by so many managers on sub-standard players on large contracts. Some of them are still at Everton winding down their contracts.

The next manager, whoever he is, will face the same problems as previous managers: who he can sell and who he can buy. Good luck to him, whoever he is.

Paul Columb 271Posted
01/12/2019 at
11:38:55

Dave (269), completely agree. As short as we are in midfield, I wasn't exactly excited to see he's fit for selection for today.

Players of his profile need offloading, but who's gonna want him – never mind cover his wages???

David Pearl 272Posted
01/12/2019 at
11:45:05

(Dave, he plays a completely different role, and you know it).

What l want to happen today is;

● For us to win 5-0 with Kean, Schneiderlin, Mina, Digne, Richarlison all scoring.

● For Watford to sack their manager.

● For Watford to approach Everton for Marco Silva.

Or am l asking for too much?

Mike Corcoran 273Posted
01/12/2019 at
11:48:26

It's time to stop banging on about the Brock backpass. That type of moment is not coming again anytime soon. We need to buckle up and scrap and scrape our way out of the relegation zone. 17th or just above will be about all we can hope for in 6 months time. Then we go again

Allan Board 274Posted
01/12/2019 at
12:04:26

The "Snowflake Syndrome" is in full effect at Everton, it has taken 6 years to reach its maturity, but it is now an unstoppable force.

Managing and playing sport is VERY SIMPLE: the harder you work, the better you will get and the more enjoyable it becomes. Excuses are for players who are not prepared to work hard, end of.

As for coaching, the more you confuse players with tactics, the worse it will get because the average player is completely selfish and only wants your praise. So keep it simple, so they have some success, and the rest will drop into place.

If they are not prepared to work hard firstly, whether it be physically or technically, then dump them – they will NEVER change.

Too much friendly chat at Everton, too much stroking the snowflakes' egos, when in fact, it should be the big stick. Life's tough, shit happens, deal with it and come back stronger.

Hope my kids get me Howard's Way for Crimbo, so I can at least sit and appreciate the work ethic and desire of real footballers. Stick this under their noses at Finch Farm.

Dave McDowell 275Posted
01/12/2019 at
12:06:49

David #272 if you are referring to my comparison with Gueye, aren't both DMF?

Didn't we all complain when we played two DMF at home for so many painfully dull performances?

Gueye for the second half of last season (playing for a move admittedly) showed that a "complete" DMF can actually give so much more to the team than the back four "screening" that the moribund Schniederlin (supposedly) provides.

So I didn't see completely different roles what I saw was completely different attitudes and application.

Arguably Schniederlin is the more skillful of the two which makes his performance even more frustrating.

Apart from that David I agree (and pray) for all your other wishes.

Gary Borrows 276Posted
01/12/2019 at
12:17:54

Just seen Schneiderlin is fit – that's that then: au revoir, Silva...

Rob Hooton 277Posted
01/12/2019 at
12:23:10

I really don't see how Schneiderlin is classed as a defensive midfielder. He has no pace, rarely puts in a tackle of note, and loses his man more than Katie Price.

Playing two midfielders who can do a bit of everything might just do us the world of good. If he doesn't play, I'm predicting a better performance but not necessarily a good result. I imagine it will be 4-2-3-1 – no matter who is at the manager's disposal.

Rob Hooton 278Posted
01/12/2019 at
12:23:56

Damn – just seen Gary's comment saying Schneiderlin is fit. We will get beat.

Kim Vivian 279Posted
01/12/2019 at
12:28:19

We will win today....

Schneiderlin on the score sheet....

I dreamt it...

Nurse!!!!

Derek Knox 280Posted
01/12/2019 at
12:33:52

Kim, you have got me worried that your condition is a lot more serious than first diagnosed, I think a Nurse is the least you require, a Neurosurgeon and Psychiatrist a must. :-)

David Pearl 281Posted
01/12/2019 at
13:08:16

Dave, 275.

That's one correct. Watford's manager sacked.

I've had this discussion on here many times. Schneiderlin plays behind his midfield partner. If there's only one other in midfield, we are therefore wide open. He plays his role as he should. But, if we play him that way just in front of the back four, then we have to play a diamond in midfield... but we won't. Silva never learns.

However, today it might work better as l can see him playing 4-1-4-1. That looks defensive but it doesn't have to be. Mourinho plays with 2 defensive midfielders and they have scored 10 goals in 3 games.

It's about time things clicked. All we can do is hope.

Michael Lynch 282Posted
01/12/2019 at
13:12:33

If Watford tap-up Marco (please let it happen please please please) does that mean we get our money back?

Julian Exshaw 283Posted
01/12/2019 at
13:17:33

Exactly a year ago to the day, we lost in heart-wrenching circumstances to that lot. It was a dagger in the stomach and every other body part that bleeds blue blood. We never really recovered last year after that. Who knows where we'd be now but for that goal.

As I posted yesterday, all I can do now is hope that the boys have a major change in fortune. Sometimes it takes just a small incident to galvanise a season, a career even. Let's get behind them all today!

John Kavanagh 284Posted
01/12/2019 at
13:26:22

Disastrous news if Schneiderlin fit. Completely unsuited to the Premier League and slows us down, not the opposition. It would be just like him to trundle around for 5 minutes and then signal the bench to come off. Or just get sent off. Either way, we are effectively down to 10 men at the kick-off.

What makes it even worse it that it means Silva will play Sigurdsson in his now customary invisible man role further forward. So down to 9 men from the off. Davies will yet again have a lot of dead weight to carry.

Derek Knox 285Posted
01/12/2019 at
13:26:46

Julian, while there is a lot in what you are saying, surely it shows how fragile, both physically and mentally the majority of our players are. So one disappointing result shapes the future for a year?

Something seriously wrong there apart from the obvious. Could you possibly imagine any other side losing to their nearest rivals in similar fashion and sulking, playing crap for a year?

No, they would dust themselves down, roll their collective sleeves up and crack on with the job in hand, this where you need a Manager with something that resembles a back-bone, and positive leadership, not a wimpy, quivering lipped highly paid excuse for one!

David Hallwood 286Posted
01/12/2019 at
13:26:54

David Pearl #272,

1 out of 3 so far.

Dave McDowell 287Posted
01/12/2019 at
13:32:32

David #281

I'm holding out for a Meatloaf "Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad"

One down.

David Hallwood 288Posted
01/12/2019 at
13:40:32

I blame Makélélé! seriously, what is this obsession with holding midfielders? whatever happened to midfielders that got around the pitch, aka box-to-box players?

We've seen this obsession with playing 2 holding midfielders with the last 3 managers (Fat Sam excepted) has got us precisely nowhere. if we could look back on the last 4 years with the meanest defence in the league, but we don't score enough goals, I/we would accept the system; but our goals against for the last 4-5 seasons has been piss poor.

I've just heard the joyous news that Schniederlin will be fit, so it looks like a Schniederlin - Davies - Sigurdsson 3 in midfield; if that's the case I ain't watching it.

Silva if you're reading this, don't do it; we are going to lose. Play 3 at the back with Bernard, Davies and Iwobie in midfield, with Richarlison and Kean or Calvert-Lewin up top. Lots of energy and plenty of scoring options. Then, after an hour when everyone tires, then bring on Sigurdsson or Schniederlin.

I know the chance of this happening is zero, but hey ho.

Raymond Fox 289Posted
01/12/2019 at
13:45:15

I see the odds on Leicester have shortened, nobodies fancying us. Logically neither can I, but you never know I feel they might surprise us today, we are due a result.

Leicester are no cert and I don't think they will be that over-confident.

It may be wishful thinking but stranger things have happened!

Dave Abrahams 290Posted
01/12/2019 at
13:51:05

Allan (274), a very good post, workers ( for ninety five minutes)is definitely what is wanted for every game from now to the end of the season. At the moment there doesnt seem to enough players in the squad with that sort of spirit, or even one able to galvanise them, maybe Delph, and get their heads up from the start of each game.

If the players really are behind Silva now is the time to show it, talk is cheap, roll your sleeves up today and show the manager and all the long suffering fans, who follow you everywhere that you care about this club, have a good go, hardwork wont kill you.

Jay Wood[BRZ] 291Posted
01/12/2019 at
14:02:34

Derek @ 252. Good questions about my post @ 239 on the rumour reported last night here in Brazil about Everton looking to land Everton 'Cebolinha' Soares to the Blues for €30 million in January. I see it is now doing the rounds in English media.

Your first question asking about any possible 'dodginess' in relation to Kia Joorabchian's (alleged) involvement is particularly pertinent.

I'm pretty sure the football authorities globally tried to tighten up, if not completely eradicate, the 3rd party ownership following the Tevez-Mascherano-WHU transfer that Joorabchian brokered.

He argued it is common practice in South America and it certainly is. He is extremely well-known in Brazil where in the early 2000s his company MSI had a deal to cover the giant club Corinthians debts in return for 51% of future profits.

Three years into that deal, warrants were issued for his and others arrest as it was alleged the deal was just a front for money laundering. About 7-8 years later all charges were dropped with a judge ruling everything was above board and legitimate.

What further muddies the waters of Joorabchian's alleged involvement in brokering the rumoured Cebolinha transfer is that he is not, and never has been, a registered football agent. And unlicensed agents in transfers in the English Premier League is prohibited by the Football Association.

I suppose, if there is any truth in this, then Everton can claim he is representing the club in completing the documentation of said transfer, NOT as the agent of the target player.

As for his form, whereas his club Gremio has been a bit inconsistent, his own form continues to be excellent and he remains their 'main man'.

Remembering he is a wing man, or wide forward, he has still scored 11 goals and 5 assists in the league, 4 goals and 2 assists in the Libertadores, making him their leading goalscorer.

As those who watched it will recall, in the summer for Brazil he usurped both our own Richarlison and David Neres from their starting positions and ended up the tournament's top scorer.

He hasn't featured that much for Brazil since because his club was given priority to retain him for key Libertadores games.

Because he is now playing frequently for Brazil, there shouldn't be any work permit issues. No idea if, like many Brazilians with European heritage, he can fiddle a Portuguese or Italian Passport.

You would like the headline from the original Portuguese rumour story I saw last night: "Everton Cebolinha Soares interessa gigantes ingleses".

At least the Brazilians understand what a footballing English Giant is, even if some of our own fans don't.

Cebolinha and Gabigol in January would completely transform our forward line.

BUT! It is all just rumour!

Derek Knox 292Posted
01/12/2019 at
14:18:37

Jay, thanks again for the info, you know it's funny since you posted about that, like you say I have also seen it on various Media Outlets, whereas there was no mention before.

I'm pretty sure these guys trawl all Fans Websites, and especially with you being in Brazil, along with Fran Mitchell, they immediately latch on, as it saves them doing any serious research into stories like this.

I am hoping as you say if we could get them both, Soares and Gabigol in the January Window, then wow, but under this current Manager God knows how and where he would play them.

Then there's the possibility that the likes of Man City, who are a more attractive proposition, stepping in to any negotiations and whipping them away.

Jay Wood[BRZ] 293Posted
01/12/2019 at
14:26:48

Ooooh, Derek!

I like the idea that I could be responsible for the Cebolinha deal now doing the rounds on all UK respectable and non-respectable football transfer rumour sites!

Move over, Tim Vickery!

Gary Willock 294Posted
01/12/2019 at
14:29:55

Got to get something today! 5 points from next 3 games will give a new manager some breathing space. Hopefully players start playing to impress from now.

Derek Knox 295Posted
01/12/2019 at
14:32:34

Jay, get your %age claim established now, just in case. :-)

John Keating 296Posted
01/12/2019 at
14:38:01

GaryI think it was retaken because there were 4 Norwich players encroaching the area as the pen was taken and it was one of those who cleared the ball after the save

The biggest question should be how it was given as a penalty in the first place ?We weren't given a penalty against Deli Alli because he said he was contacted by Mina causing his arm to go up. What was the difference in the Norwich game, exactly the same but a penalty given.A fucking joke VAR

Derek Taylor 297Posted
01/12/2019 at
14:44:55

Bookies have heard that Sneids is fit and playing and have tightened the odds on an Everton victory to 11/2

John Pierce 298Posted
01/12/2019 at
14:46:59

I know we are in trouble. Ive gotten my away kits from the 90s out. Its the 3rd kit, White with blue pin stripes, from 93/94.

Derek Knox 299Posted
01/12/2019 at
14:49:33

John K, spot on there regarding the complete and disparate outcomes of VAR, only yesterday in the Southampton v Watford game there was a handball incident just before a Saints player (Ings) scored.

The covering Media sources, ie, Sky, Bein Sports all questioned it at the time and it was CLEARLY SHOWN on the various camera angles available to them.

However the VAR panel were unable to come to a decision and allowed the goal to stand, which after the game and Watford lost the chance of a point, they admitted that they had made a mistake!

It's an absolute joke!

Jamie Crowley 300Posted
01/12/2019 at
14:49:50

My God what the hell is wrong with Arsenal?

Norwich are no mugs - said it before the game and got laughed at. The parity in the League is at the highest point I've ever personally witnessed.

Jamie Crowley 301Posted
01/12/2019 at
14:51:53

DK -

VAR is a good thing. Seemingly only the English have no clue how to use it, and continually screw it up, no offense.

They need to define when it is used, and implement it consistently. The game needs it.

But as you say, it's presently an absolute joke.

Mark Guglielmo 302Posted
01/12/2019 at
14:57:23

Dave @257 [Morgan] being fit was literally the first thing I read this morning upon waking. Even before coffee! Seriously considered going back to sleep. WHY FOOTBALL GODS WHY

David @272 everything seems reasonable to me but you lost me with Schneiderlin scoring 😂

Derek Knox 303Posted
01/12/2019 at
14:57:31

Just seen the new Xmas ad for Sky with ET, as it's main theme, and although I am not a great fan of Sky, or it's many ads, must admit it has been done rather well.